Illuminating weatherseal

ABSTRACT

An illuminating weatherseal for sealing an interface between confronting surfaces and illuminating the adjacent environment is disclosed. The illuminating weatherseal includes light line extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal, wherein the light is emitted along a path defining a non zero angle with the longitudinal dimension. A switch can be incorporated into the illuminating weatherseal for selectively actuating the light line.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to weatherseals, and moreparticularly, to a weatherseal for sealing an interface between twoconfronting surfaces, wherein the weatherseal includes a light lineextending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal forilluminating the weatherseal by emitting light along a path that definesa non zero angle with the longitudinal dimension.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Weatherseals are employed in vehicles in a variety of locationsto perform the functions of sealing and noise reduction. Traditionalweatherseals may have any of a variety of constructions for performingthe desired sealing. It is understood the sealing function can includereducing infiltration of water, air or particles across the barrier.Further, a portion of these weatherseals are often colored to enhancethe aesthetic quality of the weatherseal. The functions of traditionalweatherseals have been limited to the sealing function in combinationwith noise reduction and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0003] However, there are additional functions, which can be performedby a weatherseal that could either reduce other previously necessarycomponents, or add further functionality to the weatherseal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention includes an illuminating weatherseal. In afirst construction, the weatherseal includes a light line extendingalong a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal, wherein the lightline emits light non parallel to the longitudinal dimension along thelength of the weatherseal.

[0005] While the present weatherseal can have any of a variety ofconfigurations and be located at any of a variety of locations, theweatherseal typically includes an elastomeric body having a seatingchannel and a light line disposed in the seating channel.

[0006] By employing an illuminating weatherseal, the weatherseal canclearly indicate the relative position of a component in a vehicle. Forexample, if the illuminating weatherseal is disposed about a door, whenthe door is opened, the illuminating weatherseal outlines the peripheryof the open door, thereby enhancing visibility. Similarly, if theweatherseal is located about the periphery of a door opening on theframe of the vehicle, passengers entering or exiting the vehicle areprovided guidance by the illuminated periphery. It is furthercontemplated the illuminating weatherseal may be used to light portionsof the vehicle such as the trunk or the engine compartment. That is, ifan illuminating weatherseal were disposed about the car frame to contactthe trunk lid in the closed position, upon the opening the trunk, theilluminating weatherseal not only outlines at least a portion of theperiphery of the trunk, but provides sufficient light to illuminate theinterior of the trunk. Similarly, by locating the illuminatingweatherseal about the engine compartment to seal with the hood, when thehood is raised, the weatherseal provides ready illumination of theengine. Further, the illuminating weatherseal can indicate the presenceof a person adjacent the vehicle. As the person moves relative to theilluminating weatherseal, the movement and location of the person isindicated. Thus, it is believed the illuminating weatherseal can enhancethe visibility of a person during a roadside stop. The illuminatingweatherseal can incorporate a switch to selectively illuminate the lightline. The switch can be a pressure sensitive switch, a touch sensitiveswitch, a capacitive switch or a combination thereof and can beintegrally formed with the weatherseal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle showing a variety oflocations for an illuminating weatherseal.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a typical door seal configuredfor used in the present invention, wherein the light line is omitted.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the door seal of FIG. 2,wherein the light line is included.

[0010]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a typical deck lid sealconfigured for used in the present invention, wherein the light line isomitted.

[0011]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the deck lid seal of FIG. 4including a light line.

[0012]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a typical back light sealconfigured for used in the present invention, wherein the light line isomitted.

[0013]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the back light seal of FIG. 6showing a light line incorporated in the weatherseal.

[0014]FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a typical channel mountconstruction of a weatherseal, wherein the light line is omitted.

[0015]FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the channel mount seal of FIG.8 showing an incorporated light line.

[0016]FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of an alternative constructionof the sealing channel.

[0017]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a further construction of theseating channel.

[0018]FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the seating channel withretaining features.

[0019]FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the seating channel in a nonrecessed configuration with an operably located light line.

[0020]FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of an illuminating weathersealintegrally incorporating a pressure sensitive switch and a touchsensitive switch.

[0021]FIG. 15 is a perspective view in partial section showing the dualmode pressure sensitive and touch sensitive switch.

[0022]FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of an alternative configurationof the dual mode switch.

[0023]FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a weatherseal assemblyincluding the light line and integrated switch.

[0024] FIGS. 18-24 are different embodiments of the detail X of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the weatherseal 10 of the present inventioncan be employed in a motor vehicle 12. The weatherseal 10 can be used ina variety of locations for releasably and repeatedly engaging a panel14. For purposes of description, the present invention is described as aweatherseal, however, it is understood the present invention can beemployed in any application that may require a sealing function andinclude an illuminating function.

[0026] Typically, the weatherseal 10 is disposed between confrontingsurfaces such as panels 14. The panels 14 may be any of a variety ofmaterials and do not limit the present invention. For example, the panel14 may be glass, metal or a composite, which is painted, surface treatedor bare. In the operating environment, the panel 14 can be broughtrepeatedly into and out of engagement with the weatherseal 10.Alternatively, the weatherseal 10 may be moved relative to the panel 14.Further, the weatherseal 10 and the panel 14 may be located in asubstantially fixed relationship. For example, the weatherseal 10 may belocated about a fixed panel 14 such as a front or rear window.

[0027] The term weatherseal includes, but is not limited to, extrusions,moldings, edge pieces, glass guidance components, glass ran channels,weather strips and seals including channel mount or pin type mountedseals. The present weatherseal 10 may be used as a weather strip instructural sealing applications including residential and commercialbuildings, marine vehicles as well as the motor vehicle industry. In themotor vehicle industry, the weatherseal configuration is suitable foruse in many areas including, but not limited to, storage compartments,glass guidance components, glass run channels, door seals, roof rails,deck lids, hood to cowl seals, window seals, sun roof seals, vansliders, hatch backs or window channel seals. It is understood theilluminating weatherseal can be constructed and operably located in aposition that does not perform a sealing function. One example of suchnon sealing application is a flange finisher, trim or trim piece.Typical flange finishers are disposed on a flange to provide anaesthetically pleasing appearance, as well as reduce the risksassociated with an otherwise exposed flange.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 17, the weatherseal 10includes a body 20 and a light line 80. Typically, the weatherseal 10 isan elongate structure having a length greater than a cross sectionaldimension. The weatherseal 10 thus has a longitudinal dimension and ashorter transverse dimension. Although the detailed description isdirected to the sealing configuration of the invention, it is understoodthe same teachings can be applied to the non sealing configuration.

[0029] Body

[0030] As seen in FIGS. 2-9, 14 and 17, the body 20 is shown in crosssection. The body 20 can include a carrier portion 30, a sealing portion40 and a trim portion 50.

[0031] Typically, the carrier portion 30 is the part of the body 20,which attaches the weatherseal 10 to one of the confronting surfaces.The carrier portion 30 can have any of a variety of configurations andtypically forms a base or substrate upon which the sealing portion 40and/or trim portion 50 are connected.

[0032] The carrier portion 30 can be formed of a variety of materialsincluding plastic, thermoplastic or thermosetting materials, includingbut not limited to plastic, TPE, EPDM or any combination thereof. Thethermoplastic materials can include polyethylene, EVA, PVC orpolypropylene. Suitable vulcanized or cross-linked (thermosetting)polymeric materials include the EPDM and modified EPDM.

[0033] The carrier portion 30 can have a relatively rigid section and arelatively soft or resilient section. That is, the carrier portion 30can exhibit one or more durometer hardnesses. The carrier portion 30 caninclude a reinforcing member 32 such as a wire or metal carrier, whichmay be of known construction (such as knitted wire, lanced andstretched, slotted, solid (continuous) or stamped metal). It is alsocontemplated the carrier portion 30 can include a thermoplastic sectionand a thermoset section, wherein each section has a unique rigidity.Further, the carrier portion 30 can be formed at differing thicknessesto provide differing amounts of rigidity. It is contemplated the carrierportion 30 can have any of a variety of cross-sections, wherein typicalcross-sections include “U” shaped, “J” shaped, “L” shaped or planar. Asshown in FIGS. 2-5, the carrier portion 30 can have the U shaped profilewith inwardly extending gripping fins for engaging one of theconfronting surfaces. Non sealing constructions of the presentinvention, such as the flange finisher, can be limited to a body 20employing only the carrier portion 30, wherein the flange finisher canbe operably retained by friction, fasteners or adhesives. The body 20 inthe flange finisher configuration often has a U shaped cross sectionwith at least one gripping fin for engaging the flange.

[0034] The sealing portion 40 is connected to the carrier portion 30 andtypically extends from the carrier portion to contact the remainingconfronting surface. The sealing portion 40 can have any of a variety ofconfigurations including bulbs, flaps or fingers. The sealing portion 40can be formed to have a different durometer, or rigidity than thecarrier portion 30.

[0035] The sealing portion 40 can be constructed from a variety ofmaterials, including but not limited to TPEs, thermoplastics andthermosets, wherein the materials can be solid, foamed, cellular or asponge construction. Typically, constructions of the invention having abody 20 and a sealing portion 40 may have one or both portions formed ofan elastomeric material.

[0036] The trim portion 50 is typically connected to the carrier portion30 and extends to overly an adjacent part of the relevant confrontingsurface. Although the trim portion 50 is shown attached to the carrierportion 30, it is understood the trim portion can be connected to thecarrier portion, the sealing portion 40 or both. The trim portion 50 isoften formed of a different color or texture than the carrier portion 30and the sealing portion 40. The trim portion 50 can also be formed of avariety of materials including thermoplastics, thermosets andcomposites.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2-9, the body 20 further includes a seatingchannel 60 extending along the longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal10. The seating channel 60 can be located in the carrier portion 30, thesealing portion 40 or the trim portion 50. However, it is contemplatedthe seating channel 60 will typically be located in one of the carrierportion 30 or the trim portion 50.

[0038] The seating channel 60 can extend along the entire length of theweatherseal 10 or can be disposed along predetermined lengths of theweatherseal. In addition, the seating channel 60 can be located at givenrelative position on the weatherseal 10. Alternatively, the location ofthe seating channel 60 can vary along the longitudinal dimension of theweatherseal 10.

[0039] The seating channel 60 can have any of a variety ofcross-sections, as dictated by the corresponding light line 80 and theelastomeric body 20. Thus, referring to FIGS. 10-13, the seating channel60 can have an arcuate, curvilinear or multi-facet cross-section.Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the seating channel 60 can includeretaining features 62 such as flaps, detents, ridges, barbs or fingerswhich project into the seating channel. The retaining features 62 can belocated along the length of the seating channel 60 or disposed at spacedlocations. Further, the seating channel 60 can be formed with a lip oroverhang to engage a diameter or dimension of the light line 80. Theseating channel 60 can thus be defined by a recessed area of the body20. However, as seen in FIG. 13, the seating channel 60 can be definedmerely by a surface of the body 20 to which the light line 80 isconnected or attached.

[0040] Depending on the intended operating parameters, the seatingchannel 60 can be formed or located on the body 20 by any of a varietyof mechanisms, including but not limited to molding, extrusion,machining, etching or ablation.

[0041] Light Line

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 17, the light line 80 isdisposed in the seating channel 60 of the elastomeric body 20. Similarto the weatherseal 10, the light line 80 is also an elongate structurehaving a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension, wherein thelongitudinal dimension is substantially greater than the transversedimension.

[0043] The light line 80 can be retained within the seating channel 60by a variety of mechanisms including adhesives, bonding or mechanicalretention. Depending upon the hardness or resiliency of the elastomericbody 20 in which the seating channel 60 is formed, the light line 80 maybe retained by friction or a snap fit. Additionally, or alternatively,the light line 80 can be retained in the seating channel 60 by anadhesive.

[0044] Although the light line 80 is shown as having a generallycircular cross-sectional profile, it is understood the light line canhave a multi-facet, curvilinear, oval, obround, triangular, square,rectangular or other such cross-section. Further, the relativecross-sectional area of the light line 80 relative to the weatherseal 10is dependent upon a number of parameters including the desiredillumination, the construction of the light line as well as constructionof the body 20.

[0045] The light line 80 can be active such as self-illuminating orpassive and merely transmit and emit light, and thus be, formed of avariety of light emitting devices. Depending upon the amount of lightingrequired, a variety of constructions can be used as the light line 80.Preferably, the light line 80 emits light along a path that defines anon-zero angle with the longitudinal dimension or axis. The optical pathof the emitted light will intersect the longitudinal axis. Therefore,the light line 80 emits light along paths that are non parallel to thelongitudinal dimension. The light passes from the light line 80 alongthe length of the light line. That is, light passes from the light line80 intermediate the ends of the light line. The areas or sections oflight emission can be determined in response to the intended operatingcharacteristics of the weatherseal. The self-illuminating configurationof the light line 80 can include light ropes, LEDs and LED strings.Transmitting/emitting light lines 80 can include fiber optics and sideemitting fiber optics, such as glass plastic or composites.

[0046] It is understood the light line 80 can include intermittent ordiscrete light sources extending along the longitudinal dimension of thelight line. The light line 80 can thereby provide a plurality of pointsof light along the longitudinal dimension. Thus, the light line 80 canbe selected to provide substantially continuous light emission along thelongitudinal dimension, intermittent light or an intermediate lightdispersion along the longitudinal dimension.

[0047] The light line 80 is shown as a side-emitting device. That is,the light line 80 emits light transverse to the longitudinal dimensionof the light line, and hence weatherseal 10, such that the light travelsalong a path that defines a non-zero angle with the longitudinaldimension. In such construction, the body 20 can be formed withoutspecific characteristics for enhancing light emission. However, it isunderstood the body 20 can be formed with reflective surfaces to enhancelight emission. For example, the seating channel 60 can be coated withor formed of a light reflective material. In addition, the light line 80can include reflective surfaces to control direction of emitted light.

[0048] Alternatively, the seating channel 60 can be formed of or coatedwith a light absorbing material to reduce light transmission.

[0049] Similarly, the cross sectional profile of the seating channel 60can be structured to enhance or inhibit light transmission as dictatedby the intended operating environment and the structure of theparticular light line 80.

[0050] Thus, the illuminating weatherseal 10 emits light non parallel tothe longitudinal axis. It is contemplated the light line 80 will beconstructed to emit light along a path that defines a non zero anglewith respect to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the light may beemitted along a path that is transverse or oblique to the longitudinalaxis.

[0051] Transmitting/emitting light lines 80 cooperate with a lightsource. The light source can be dedicated to the light line 80.Alternatively, the light source can be employed for additional uses suchas courtesy lights, warning lights or dome lights. The light source canbe any of a variety of types such as incandescent, fluorescent, LED orlasing.

[0052] As seen in FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 17, the body 20 has a givencross sectional area, wherein the light line 80 has a cross sectionalarea less than the body. Preferably, the cross sectional area of thelight line 80 is less than approximately 50 percent of the crosssectional area of the body 20. It is contemplated the cross sectionalarea of the light line 80 can be 20 percent or less of the crosssectional area of the body 20. Thus, the light line 80 does notcontribute significantly to the cross sectional area of the weatherseal.Further, it is contemplated, the light line 80 can be located within thecross sectional area of the weatherseal. Therefore, the presentilluminating weatherseal can be operably located along any existingweatherseal location.

[0053] In a preferred construction, the light line 80 extends alongsubstantially the entire length of the weatherseal. While the light line80 can extend the length of the weatherseal, the entire length orintermittent portions can be illuminating.

[0054] The emission of light from the light line 80 can be controlled bya variety of mechanisms, wherein the mechanism actuates the light sourceor the optical interconnection of the light line 80 to the light source.Capacitive, pressure or contact switches can be employed with theilluminating weatherseal 10 to selectively provide illumination whereinthe switch can be integral with or external to the weatherseal. Inaddition, light line 80 can be controlled to provide any of a variety oflight characteristics such as dimming, pulsing, chasing, blinking orconstant.

[0055] For example, the light line 80 can be illuminated in response toan opening or closing of a door. Alternatively, the light line 80 can beilluminated for a timed interval in response to a predeterminedcondition or event.

[0056] A switch mechanism for controlling the emission of light from thelight line 80 can be incorporated into the weatherseal 10. The switchmechanism can include a pressure or deflection type switch, a touchsensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a combination of pressure andtouch sensitive switches. In a preferred construction, the switch isintegral with the body 20. It is contemplated the switch can extendalong the length of the body 20, or along selected portions.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 14, a combined pressure sensitive and touchsensitive switch is shown. Although the pressure sensitive and touchsensitive switches are shown in combination, it is understood eitherswitch can be individually employed. In addition, the pressuresensitive, touch sensitive or combined switch can be located on any ofthe carrier portion 30, the sealing portion 40 or the trim portion 50.For purposes of clarity, the combined pressure sensitive and touchsensitive switch is shown on the carrier portion.

[0058] The combined switch is provided with a bead of conductive rubber228 extending along an outer surface of the switch. An electricalconductor 226 is preferably embedded in the conductive layer 228.Preferably, the weatherseal 10 is extruded, and the conductive rubberbead can be co-extruded therewith. Elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers,or thermoplastics can be used for the touch sensitive portion, and theconductivity of such materials can be increased by adding conductivematerials such as carbon blacks, graphite or metal powder to a basematerial. The combination of the electrical conductor or wire 226 withthe conductive rubber bead 228 forms an elongated conductive surfaceportion extending substantially along the length of the profile. Whilethe electrical conductor is shown as embedded in the elongated conductorsurface portion, it can be disposed between the non-conductive andconductive portions, as long as it is in electrical contact with theconductive portion.

[0059] Optionally, as seen in FIG. 14, a second electrical conductor 252is provided in a non-conducting portion 232 of the weatherseal 10. Theconductor 252 may be conveniently employed to form a complete electricalcircuit, depending on the type of sensor employed.

[0060]FIG. 15 is diagrammatic inasmuch as it only shows the switchportion of the weatherseal in accordance with the invention. Referringto FIG. 15, a pressure sensitive switch is implemented by conductiveregion 236 and 238, each of which includes an embedded or contactingelectrical conductor 240 and 242 respectively. The conductor regions areencased within a hollow flexible tubular portion 250 of the weatherseal,which has flexible side walls such that upon the application ofpressure, the conductive regions 236 and 238 are brought into contactwith each other, which contact can be sensed remotely as a drop inresistance of the circuit formed by electrical conductors 240 and 242.The touch sensitive conductive layer 228 is formed on the surface of thehollow tubular member 250 and has its own electrically conductive wireembedded therein or at least in electrical contact therewith. Ifdesired, yet another electrical wire 252 can be provided innon-conducting tubing member 250 for forming a complete circuit withwire 226.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 15, the sensing portion 250 of the switch isconnected to a detector circuit 260. A portion of detector circuit 260that is responsive to pressure induced contact being formed betweenconductive regions 236 and 238 is well known, and will not be describedfurther. The portion of detector 260 that is responsive to touchsensitive region 228 may take a variety of forms. Touch sensors foroperating table lamps and the like are well known, and sensors ofsimilar design can be employed in connection with this invention. Sinceonly low voltage power is usually available in vehicles, the touchsensitive switch may be implemented by connecting the electrical wirerunning through the touch sensitive layer of the device to the gate of afield effect transistor or the like, so that the transistor will beturned on when the layer is touched.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 16, a dual mode switch in accordance withanother embodiment is illustrated in diagrammatic cross section form.The switch indicated generally at 270 includes a non-conductiveresilient body formed from thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Achannel 274 is formed in the nonconductive body and a layer ofconductive material such as a conductive rubber foam is disposed in abottom portion of the channel. A touch sensitive cap 278 is attached tothe upper side walls of the channel. A first electrical conductor 280 isembedded in touch sensitive cap 278 and a second electrical conductor282 is embedded in layer 276. Electrical conductor 280 is connected to atouch sensitive detector 284 designated in this example by a connectionto the gate of the FET 286. A pressure sensitive detector 290,preferably for responding to a contact closure is connected toelectrodes 280 and 282. In operation, the dual mode detector switch ofFIG. 14 is responsive to contact with conductive layer 278 by triggeringFET 286 to produce a switching signal. The dual mode switch isresponsive to pressure sufficient to cause the side walls of the channelformed in the base 272 to flex and the conductive layers 278 and 276 tobe brought into contact, to trigger detector 290 also to generate aswitching signal.

[0063] In a further configuration, and generally referring to FIGS.17-25, the switch can be formed of a ground electrode 325 and a spacedsensor electrode 322, wherein the sensor electrode is embedded in thebody 20, and the weatherseal 10 includes a zone or area 323, 324 ofreduced rigidity between the ground electrode and the sensor electrode.The zone of reduced rigidity can be formed by an air gap 323, a strip ofa sponge rubber 324 extending along the longitudinal dimension of theweatherseal 10.

[0064] It is contemplated the ground electrode 325 can be separatelyconstructed from the weatherseal 10. That is, a portion of the vehiclecan be employed as the ground electrode 325. The sensor electrode 322can be embedded in the carrier portion 30, the sealing portion 40 or thetrim portion 50. In addition, the sensor electrode 322 can be configuredas a loop.

[0065] The ground electrode 325, the sensing electrode 322 and the zoneof reduced rigidity 323, 324 create a sensing region 334 which, uponsensing a dielectric material within the region, can initiate a signalto selectively illuminate the light line 80. The sensing region 334 canbe varied or shaped by arranging and/or changing the number of groundelectrodes or sensor electrodes. The sensing region 334 can additionallybe varied or shaped by applying different potentials to the groundelectrode and or the sensing electrode.

[0066] Thus, the capacitive switch detects a dielectric materialentering the sensing region 334, without requiring physical contact, bya change in capacitance between the sensor electrode 322 and the groundelectrode 325. Upon the presence of the dielectric objet, the capacitywill rise, which can be used to selectively illuminate or dim the lightline 80.

[0067] Thus, the illuminating weatherseal 10 can be activated through aswitch integrated with the weatherseal. The switch can be activated by aflexing of the weatherseal, or location of a dielectric materialadjacent the weatherseal.

[0068] Manufacture

[0069] The particular method for constructing the illuminatingweatherseal 10 is at least partially determined by the construction ofthe light line 80 and intended interconnection between the light lineand the seating channel 60.

[0070] The weatherseal 10 can be formed in an extrusion process toinclude the seating channel 60, wherein the light line 80 is disposedwithin the seating channel in a downstream operation. It is contemplatedthat for an elastomeric body 20 formed of a thermosetting material, acuring step can be performed prior to, during, or subsequent toinsertion of the light line 80 into the seating channel 60.

[0071] Alternatively, the elastomeric body 20 and corresponding seatingchannel 60 can be formed, wherein an adhesive is subsequently disposedin the seating channel and the light line is then disposed in theseating channel to contact the adhesive.

[0072] Alternatively, the seating channel 60 can be machined into thebody 20 in a subsequent process, and the light line 80 then located inthe seating channel.

[0073] With respect to the switch mechanism, the components of theswitch can be formed with the body 20, as for example during extrusion.

[0074] While the invention has been described in connection with apresently preferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art willrecognize that many modifications and changes made be made thereinwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, whichaccordingly is intended to be defined solely by the appended claims.

1. An illuminating weatherseal for sealing a gap intermediate twoconfronting surfaces, the confronting surfaces moveable between a spacedapart open position and an adjacent closed position, the weatherseal,comprising: (a) an elongate elastomeric body selected to attach to oneof the confronting surfaces, the elastomeric body including a sealingportion being spaced from a remaining contacting surface in the openposition of the confronting surfaces and contacting the remainingconfronting surface in the closed position of the confronting surfaces,the elastomeric body including a seating channel extending along alongitudinal dimension of the elastomeric body; and (b) a light linedisposed in the seating channel.
 2. The weatherseal of claim 1, whereinthe light line emits light along a path defining a non zero angle withthe longitudinal dimension.
 3. The weatherseal of claim 1, wherein theelastomeric body includes a carrier portion.
 4. The weatherseal of claim3, wherein the carrier portion includes a reinforcing member.
 5. Theweatherseal of claim 4, wherein the reinforcing member is a metal or athermoplastic.
 6. The weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the light lineincludes one of a fiber optic, an LED, a fluorescent or an incandescentelement.
 7. The weatherseal of claim 6, wherein the fiber optic is oneof a glass or a plastic.
 8. The weatherseal of claim 1, wherein thelight line is a side-emitting fiber optic.
 9. The weatherseal of claim1, wherein the elastomeric body includes a trim portion.
 10. Theilluminating weatherseal of claim 1, further comprising a switchintegral with the elastomeric body.
 11. The illuminating weatherseal ofclaim 10, wherein the switch is one of a pressure sensitive switch, acapacitive switch or a touch sensitive switch.
 12. The illuminatingweatherseal of claim 10, wherein the switch creates a switching signalto control illumination of the light line.
 13. A weatherseal assemblycomprising: (a) a weatherseal body having longitudinal dimension; and(b) a fiber optic light line connected to the body, the fiber opticlight line selected to emit light along a path non parallel to thelongitudinal dimension.
 14. The weatherseal assembly of claim 13,wherein the body is elastomeric and includes a carrier portion and asealing portion.
 15. The weatherseal assembly of claim 14, wherein thecarrier portion includes a seating channel sized to receive the lightline.
 16. The weatherseal assembly of claim 13, wherein the light lineincludes a pair of fiber optics.
 17. The weatherseal assembly of claim13, wherein the light line includes a side emitting fiber optic.
 18. Theweatherseal assembly of claim 13, further comprising a switch integralwith the body.
 19. The weatherseal assembly of claim 13, wherein theswitch is one of a capacitive switch, a pressure switch or a touchsensitive switch.
 20. An illuminating weatherseal assembly having aweatherseal body having a cross sectional dimension and a light lineextending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal, the lightline having a cross sectional area less that the cross sectional area ofthe weatherseal body and selected to emit light along a path defining anon zero angle with the longitudinal dimension.
 21. The illuminatingweatherseal of claim 20 wherein the weatherseal body includes anelastomeric body connected to the light line.
 22. The illuminatingweatherseal of claim 21, wherein the elastomeric body includes a seatingchannel sized to receive the light line.
 23. The illuminatingweatherseal of claim 20 wherein the light line includes one of a fiberoptic, an LED, a fluorescent or an incandescent element.
 24. Theilluminating weatherseal of claim 20 further comprising a switchintegral with the weatherseal.
 25. The illuminating weatherseal of claim24, wherein the switch is one of a capacitive switch, a pressuresensitive switch or a touch sensitive switch.
 26. An elongate trimpiece, comprising: (a) elongate body having a longitudinal axis and a Ushaped cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis; (b) areinforcing member having a corresponding U shaped cross sectiontransverse to the longitudinal axis; and (c) a light line connected tothe body to emit light along a path non parallel to the longitudinalaxis.
 27. The trim piece of claim 26, further comprising a gripping finextending into the U shaped cross section.
 28. The trim piece of claim26, wherein the reinforcing member is embedded in the body.
 29. The trimpiece of claim 26, wherein the reinforcing member is a metal or athermoplastic.
 30. The trim piece of claim 26, wherein the light lineincludes one of a fiber optic, an LED, a fluorescent or an incandescentelement.
 31. The trim piece of claim 30, wherein the fiber optic is oneof a glass or a plastic.
 32. The trim piece of claim 26, wherein thelight line is a side-emitting fiber optic.
 33. The elongate trim pieceof claim 26, further comprising a switch integral with the body.
 34. Theelongate trim piece of claim 33, wherein the switch is one of a pressuresensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a touch sensitive switch. 35.An illuminating assembly, comprising (a) an elongate body having alongitudinal axis; (b) a light line connected to the body along thelongitudinal axis; and (c) a switch integral with the elastomeric body.36. The illuminating assembly of claim 35, wherein the body iselastomeric and includes a sealing portion.
 37. The illuminatingassembly of claim 35, wherein the switch is one of a pressure sensitiveswitch, a capacitive switch or a touch sensitive switch.
 38. Theilluminating assembly of claim 35, wherein the body includes a carrierportion, a trim portion and a sealing portion.
 39. The illuminatingassembly of claim 35, wherein the switch extends parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the body.
 40. The illuminating assembly of claim35, wherein the switch includes a field effect transistor.
 41. Theilluminating assembly of claim 35, further comprising a sensingelectrode embedded in the body.